TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red linear switches are praised for their buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, providing a subtle and polished feel to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Cold Plum linear switches exhibit a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, delivering a distinct typing experience with a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. Both switches have their own appeal, whether you prefer a modest touch of personality with the Gold Red or a more unique typing experience with the Cold Plum. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Cold Plum, it is clear that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. However, the Gold Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The Cold Plum, on the other hand, also employs nylon for the top housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile as its bottom housing.

While both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housing, the difference in their top housing materials creates a distinct sound profile. The Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound quality of a switch. Despite this difference, both switches offer a unique sound experience based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

In terms of design and functionality, the Gold Red and the Cold Plum showcase how different housing materials can affect sound output. The Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing offers a more resonant and clear sound, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing provides a softer and fuller sound experience. Both switches demonstrate the versatility and importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboards, as they play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and overall typing experience. Whether it be through sharper and crisper tones or deeper and fuller sounds, the choice of housing materials can greatly impact how a switch feels and sounds to the user.

Weight

The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may favor the Gold Red, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Cold Plum, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the Gold Red provides a lighter typing experience, while the Cold Plum offers a more solid and substantial feel during typing.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Gold Red switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum switch. Typically, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper press. Both switches offer their own advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response time.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we can see that the Gold Red offers a smoother and more neutral sound profile with a light-medium resistance level, while the Cold Plum provides a thocky sound profile with a unique typing experience. In terms of feel, the Gold Red offers a mild and silky typing experience with subtle resistance and a polished finish, making it suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Cold Plum delivers a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound with its fully nylon construction. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Gold Red may appeal more to those looking for a smoother and more neutral sound profile, while the Cold Plum is preferred by users seeking a distinct and thocky typing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a light-medium resistance switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a snappy sound profile, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy resistance switch with a thocky sound profile and a unique typing experience, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the sound profile you find most pleasing. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience and can enhance your overall keyboarding experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more